ANT supports cutting-edge research that (1) expands fundamental knowledge of the Antarctic and the natural laboratory it represents across a range of disciplines, (2) improves understanding of interactions between the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region and Earth system, and (3) utilizes the unique characteristics of the Antarctic continent as an observing platform. The U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) supports scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean with logistics provided by OPP’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section (AIL).

The AOE Program Director is responsible for managing a proposal driven grants program and for overseeing a research portfolio directed at all levels of biologically related organization from molecular, cellular, and organismal, to communities, ecosystems, and global processes. The Program Director has the opportunity to shape future directions for the program through interactions with the research community, related research programs within ANT, other NSF divisions, and organizations external to NSF.

Applicants do not need prior Antarctic or polar experience to be considered for this position. However, the incumbent must have demonstrated experience leading an active biological research portfolio focused on the research areas described above. Antarctic Sciences does not support biomedical research. Therefore, expertise in this research area will not be a critical ranking factor in our selection process.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

A. Management

1. Manages the merit review process for the AOE Program in accordance with NSF policies and develops recommendations for awards based on reviewer advice, knowledge of the research proposed, and appropriate regard for program balance.
2. Oversees NSF-funded Antarctic science programs within the AOE portfolio.
3. Manages AOE program resources. Convenes external oversight and management reviews as necessary.

B. Planning

1. Leads and facilitates research community activities to develop long-range scientific plans for biological sciences in the Antarctic with due cognizance for the total scope and nature of polar research activities, the resources available or required, and the national and international interests to be served. Functions as an agent for change when improvement, innovation, or redirection of activities is warranted.
2. Develops educational and other initiatives to promote diversity in the AOE Program.
3. Works with other Section and Office managers to plan and implement Antarctic field projects and ensures efficient utilization of resources by projects deployed to Antarctica.

C. Coordination

1. Serves as ANT’s representative on national and international scientific committees having a related scientific purview.
2. Serves as the focal point for the coordination of program plans related to AOE with other NSF programs, other Federal agencies, and with other nation's Antarctic programs.
3. Serves on NSF committees and working groups, as required.

D. Deployment

1. Essential to duties of this position is deployment as NSF Science Representative in Antarctica for periods of several weeks each year. This requires that the program officer be cleared medically for remote deployment.
2. As part of annual Antarctic deployment, the incumbent reviews field programs and evaluates existing support modes and practices to improve science support infrastructure for research across all research areas supported by ANT.